Addo Elephant Park Loop

Addo Elephant National Park is home to one of Africa’s densest elephant populations — over 600 of the world’s largest land animals share the park with lion, buffalo, black rhino, leopard, spotted hyena and countless plains game species. The 28km MTB loop offers an extraordinary experience: riding through active Big Five territory on gravel tracks through the park’s dense Eastern Cape thicket.

What to Expect

Gravel tracks and dirt roads wind through Addo’s characteristic dense spekboom and euphorbia thicket — a vegetation type so thick that game can be invisible at 10 metres. Wildlife encounters are frequent and can be close. Elephant are the signature encounter: at 600+, the probability of a trail encounter is very high. Ride slowly, give all game the right of way, and never approach or attempt to pass animals that have not moved off the trail.

Wildlife Safety

This is Big Five terrain. Understand SANParks’ MTB rules for Addo before riding — guided rides are available and strongly recommended for first-time visitors. Never ride alone. Carry a charged phone at all times.

Getting There

Addo is on the R335, 72km north of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). GPS: -33.4712, 25.7456.

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